This is not directed at the thread starter but I think this is a good time for me to share this. (especially after I just got totally worked up because of this annoying Guy With Camera at my wedding shoot yesterday
:angry: ARRRRggg !!!!)
Let me share from the view point of a professional wedding photographer.
Firstly I would say this, if possible, I prefer that no one else is shooting other than me. Look at it this way, there is no way you can get a better shot or angle than the official photographer. If you do get a good angle, is only explanation is that you had jostled with the main photographer and taking up the position or spot that he needed to shoot from. Furthermore, you'll also be restricting his movements and not to mention resulting in many photos with a GWC appearing in the photo.
Before you decide to shoot at your friend's wedding, think about this. They took the effort to hire a photographer for their big day, this took place probably 9 months to a year ahead. This is the photographer that they had spent much time and effort in sourcing out as well a paying good money for. So it is very unlikely that a GWC (guy with camera) can just turn out on the wedding day and hit the "winning shot", it is more likely you will ruin the shot for your friend.
Cue first example...
I had lined myself up at the front of the church. The couple was saying their vows and I had the rest of the congregation as my background. Then came this guy with a compact camera and he stood directly in the line of view between me and my couple, blocking me. Not only was he blocking me, he also ruining the video during the moment of the vows. The compact camera he was using giving out a red focus assisting light every time he took a shot. The couple's face was lit by the red light for a few times before he was asked to step aside by me. But the damage was done. The eventual video of my couple's vow had this annoying red shining on their face.
Cue second example...
This incident just happened yesterday. I was shooting the solemnization of my couple at the Armenian Church. If you have not been inside the church you'll be surprised at how small it is inside, especially with a service going on. Other than me and my videographer, there were 2 other people shooting. One is a friend of the couple, he knew what to do so I didn't have any trouble with this chap. The other is a "friend's friend", let's call this chap, GWC or "Guy With Camera". Now not only did the GWC block my retreating path when I was shooting the marching in of the couple, he was shooting over our shoulders during the vows. The chap also had his auto focus confirmation beep on, and he was "BEEPING" all over the vows. I had to yank him away from the middle of the stage.
But if you REALLY want to take photos on the wedding day (or the appointed back up photographer), I have these tips for you
1) Dress properly. Nothing is worst than a photographer turning up on a wedding not properly attired. I can never understand why would people turn up at a wedding dressed as if they are going for a football match (because they are the photographer). Take it this way, no matter what, you will be captured on photos and videos. You will really stand out like a sore thumb dressed informally for such a formal occasion. If you are the 2nd photographer, you will DEFINITELY appear in my shots. If you are dressed formally, you will blend in people won't take notice of you in that shot. I had a 2nd photographer turning up wearing an orange colored polo t-shirt ! No matter how far he stood away from me, he kept "popping" up in the photo due to the striking color.
2) Turn off your AF confirmation "Beep". It is distracting and it will be picked up by the video camera.
3) Try to be on the same side as the main photographer. Even if the couple is your friend, they will not appreciated photos of their special day with you in all their shots peering at them through your camera.
4) Do not use flash. It will be picked up by the video camera. (remind me to show you one GREAT EXAMPLE !! haha :bsmilie
5) Do not use AF assist light. It drives me crazy when the key shots of the couple during their vows are peppered with blimps of red light shining on their face.
6) Do talk to the main photographer and work out a plan.
7) Do not stand behind the main photographer and shoot over his shoulder. AAArrrrgggg !!!
Let me sum it up by saying "DO NO HARM", do not do anything that will impede the main photographer from doing his best FOR YOUR FRIEND !
p.s. hmm
maybe I should just ban GWC from my shoots ! :nono: